Along with other senior members of the royal family, they will accompany the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh in a carriage procession to mark the monarch’s 60-year reign on June 5.

Later in 2012, William and his wife will head to the Far East, taking in Malaysia, Singapore, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu as representatives of the Queen who visited there in 1982 (pictured).

Next year will be a big year for the couple too.

As well as moving from their current home at Nottingham Cottage – a small residence in the grounds of Kensington Palace – they have a big decision to make surrounding William's future.

Flight Lieutenant Wales – as he is known in the RAF – is currently serving as a Sea King co-pilot, which he combines with his royal responsibilities (around 40 engagements a year).

He is due to leave the air force in 2013 after a three-year tour of duty – but it is thought he will choose to remain in the RAF for a while longer, a decision said to have the support of his grandmother and father.

William’s extended stay would of course mean a deferment from full-time royal responsibilities, allowing his wife longer to adjust into her new public role.

She will continue to focus on her charity work with The Art Room, the National Portrait Gallery, East Anglia's Children's Hospice, Action on Addiction and the Scout Association, with a palace source revealing she is also looking to become a figurehead to other worthy causes.

"Everyone has been keen to make sure she has been eased into royal life, but it is going well and she is ready to step things up a bit," an insider told the Mirror.

"Kate’s had a great start to her charity work and she feels she is keen and ready to do more."

"As before, she wants to take time to make the right decision about who to become involved with, so she will be making discreet visits and doing more research."

It is also expected that as her confidence grows, Kate will take on more public speaking engagements and solo visits. And, cementing her status within the royal fold, the Duchess has also agreed to pose for a portrait for the National Portrait Gallery.

Whatever they do, William and Kate will continue to bring magic and glamour to 'the Firm' – and just maybe they will follow Peter and Autumn Phillips in adding to the bumper crop of the Queen’s great grandchildren.